Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of speculation over his planned defection to the ruling party.
Governor Yusuf’s return to the APC came barely three days after he resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing a lingering internal crisis that had weakened the party’s cohesion.
The governor officially registered as an APC member on Monday at the Coronation Hall of the Government House in Kano, amid tight security and loud cheers from party supporters and loyalists.
Following his registration, Yusuf also flagged off the APC membership e-registration exercise in the state, which had earlier been suspended in anticipation of his defection from the NNPP.
Speaking shortly after completing the registration process, the governor said his decision to rejoin the APC was not motivated by personal ambition.
“My decision to join the APC is not driven by personal interest or political ambition,” Yusuf said. “It is a deliberate step taken in the interest of unity, peace, stability, progress and sustainable development of Kano State.”
He explained that aligning Kano State with the ruling party at the federal level would open doors for increased development projects and greater dividends of democracy.
“This move will enable us to work more closely with the Federal Government and attract meaningful development that will improve the lives of our people,” he added.
The governor urged residents of the state to support his decision and embrace the new political direction.
“I call on the good people of Kano State to join me in this new journey that will bring peace, unity, stability, progress and development to our dear state,” Yusuf said.
He also expressed appreciation to key APC stakeholders in the state for their roles in facilitating his return to the party.
“I want to sincerely thank our leaders and stakeholders in the APC for their support and commitment throughout this process,” he noted.
Dignitaries at the event included former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
Others in attendance were Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila; former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; and the APC Chairman in the state, Prince Abdullahi Abbas.